The Empire Collection: Elizabeth I (single coin)

This stunning proof coin minted in 8 grams of .9999 gold is inspired by Elizabeth I’s 7th issue Crown, and created in the style resembling the minting techniques of the time.

Full set 9-coin presentation box included FREE with your coin.

In December 1600, a group of wealthy merchants, under the name ‘Governor
and Company of Merchants in London trading with the East Indies’, received
from Elizabeth I a Royal Charter granting them a monopoly on trade with all
countries east of The Cape of Good Hope and west of the Straits of Magellan.
In 1601, with the full support of the Queen, The East India Company set sail
on its first voyage, commanded by Sir James Lancaster.

Details

ELIZABETH I

The defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588 marked the beginning of England’s mastery of the seas and the beginning of an age of colonisation and exploration. Driven by a desire for adventure and money, wealthy merchants, aristocrats and explorers began searching for new lands. In December 1600, a group of wealthy merchants, under the name Governor and Company of Merchants in London trading with the East Indies, received from Elizabeth I a Royal Charter granting them a monopoly on trade with all countries east of The Cape of Good Hope and west of the Straits of Magellan. In 1601, with the full support of the Queen, The East India Company set sail on its first voyage, commanded by Sir James Lancaster. The new commercial entity struggled at first, competing against the already long established Dutch East India Company (VOC). However, within a few short years, it would see profits grow with factories opening in Bantam, Java and Surat.

LETTERING & BEADING: Reflecting the style and appearance of lettering found on Elizabeth I’s coinage, the design features irregular beading and lettering.

RED DRAGON SHIP: The Red Dragon set out in February 1601 along with three other vessels, Hector, Susan and Ascension carrying with them over £28,000 worth of bullion and £6,000 worth of goods, including wrought iron, crockery, pistols and spectacles.

PEPPER: On its first voyage, The East India Company opened its first factory in Bantam. Pepper imported form Java was to play an important part of The Company’s trade for over twenty years.

PORTCULLIS: On the insistence of Elizabeth I, a special Testern coin was struck by The Royal Mint for the first voyage of The East India Company in 1601. Known as ‘Portcullis money’, it was loaded onto Company ships in January 1601. They were the first coins issued for the British Empire outside normal English coinage.

PORTRAIT OF ELIZABETH I: Inspired by Elizabeth I’s 7th issue Crown, and designed in the style resembling the minting techniques of the time, the portrait faces the same direction as all of Elizabeth I coinage.